Today I returned to Penn State to pay my respects to coach Paterno. Joe has been a constant presence in my life, and in the life of my broader family. I will miss him forever.

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(Below) Outside of the sanctuary the lines stretched on as far as the eye could see. A local radio station estimated that it extended for nearly half a mile. I got in line an hour and a half early, and it still took three hours before I was able to say goodbye to Joe. These are the photos that I took when I exited around 2:30:

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(Below) The media was everywhere. Since I have not been a fan of the media lately, I figure one photo of them is more than enough.

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(Below) Signs downtown and on campus

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(Below) Near Beaver Stadium, the Joe Paterno statue has become a shrine. It was somber, respectful, and crowded.

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(Below) As I headed for the car I looked up at the stadium and saw Joe looking out over all of us. God speed, JoePa. We Are . . .

So glad you went back up to main campus to pay respects to Coach Paterno. Your photos show a university community in mourning, just as I imagined it would be. I am grateful for the poignant photos that speak to the love felt for JoePa and the incredible, positive impact he had on so many of us! May all of us in his Penn State family find peace in the days ahead, knowing that he was dearly loved by so many people.

Thanks so much, Kathy. I’m really glad that I went too. Did you by any chance catch some of the televised memorial service? It was a fitting way to end three days of mourning and help the community heal.